Using a credit card for things you need right away makes sense but only if its actually important. A TV is probably a bad example as its a non-essential item, same with a PC for most people. You shouldn't use a credit card for those things if you don't have the cash
I'm sure it would help some people if you learned it in school. Though thinking back when I was a student, I'm sure there's a sizable amount of kids that will just ignore it. I remember when I was in school they taught us how to use checks, and I didn't pay attention and learned nothing, lol.
I mean I'm not gonna pay/carry around $3,000 for a TV when I can simply buy it via a card that gives me time to pay it off with accruing interest which is what I did and paid it off already before the end of no interest date runs out.
Obviously you shouldnt pay for something you cant eventually pay off but its a great way to get something quick without breaking what you already have in bank on the same day and still build credit on it in the end of the day.
Haha, I dont remember getting taught how to use checks at school but I know for a fact my parents taught me, I had my bank account made and got my first credit card when I was like 16 or around that.
This. Credit cards are a tool. Nothing more.
No. Credit cards shouldn't be used "when you don't have the cash". And if you're doing the balance transfer dance that's a sign that you're already doing things wrong.
So do you tell people who dont have cold hard cash on hand or in the bank to not buy groceries to not use a credit card? If I took your advice years ago, I probably wouldnt be alive right now.
Credit Cards are a tool and can be used for different reasons.
Balance transfer dance? lol - its a smart way to consolidate debt and then pay it off in amounts you can or like to without worrying about increasing your debt.
Obviously if you suck at managing money and do impulse purchases on trends and non-essential items, you are doing it wrong but if you know how to manage money/budget and plan ahead on how to pay off what you buy for whatever reason, it can be a very useful tool that helps you in the long run.